Synonyms of assail

assail

verb

ə-ˈsāl 

1

as in to attack

to criticize harshly and usually publicly

the union organizers assailed the chemical company for failing to provide a safe working environment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attack
• slam
• scold
• criticize
• insult
• savage
• excoriate
• lambaste
• abuse
• castigate
• harass
• blast
• jump (on)
• scathe
• vituperate
• tie into
• bash
• berate
• belabor
• curse
• sail into
• revile
• potshot
• beat up on
• disparage
• blaspheme
• harangue
• belittle
• trash
• vilify
• affront
• chide
• execrate
• chastise
• asperse
• reprimand
• light into
• slander
• harry
• libel
• imprecate
• whip
• traduce
• blackguard
• profane
• slur
• rebuke
• bad-mouth
• fulminate
• lace (into)
• lash (out)
• put down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• commend
• praise
• hail
• compliment
• laud
• acclaim

2

as in to assault

to take sudden, violent action against

the small birds assailed the larger one that had threatened their nest

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attack
• assault
• raid
• strike
• storm
• rob
• beset
• invade
• ambush
• turn (on)
• charge
• set at
• set on
• rush
• set upon
• descend (on or upon)
• go in (on)
• fly at
• swarm
• jump (on)
• sic
• round on
• pounce (on or upon)
• bushwhack
• tear into
• pitch into
• besiege
• waylay
• beat up on
• bombard
• mob
• trash
• go at
• flank
• surprise
• ravage
• light into
• sack
• barrage
• plunder
• gang up (on)
• bomb
• nuke
• pillage
• bum-rush
• blitz
• beleaguer
• ambuscade
• cannon
• overrun
• envelop
• loot
• plaster
• batter
• cannonade
• mug
• buffet
• foray
• harry
• press
• bang away (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• defend
• secure
• cover
• guard
• shield

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb assail contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assail are assault, attack, bombard, and storm. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

When is it sensible to use assault instead of assail?

The words assault and assail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When can attack be used instead of assail?

In some situations, the words attack and assail are roughly equivalent. However, attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When is bombard a more appropriate choice than assail?

The words bombard and assail can be used in similar contexts, but bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

When could storm be used to replace assail?

The synonyms storm and assail are sometimes interchangeable, but storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of assail

California law restricts when local enforcement can coordinate with ICE in making such arrests, and federal officials and Republicans have assailed the policy for hindering immigration enforcement. —Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026

In announcing the Pentagon’s agreement with Scouting America, the defense secretary assailed the group for welcoming transgender children but stopped short of saying they would be denied entry. —Tara Copp, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2026

Trump has singled out Moore for criticism, blaming him for a Potomac sewage spill, assailing his handing of Baltimore's bridge collapse and invoking a controversy over his military record. —Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

Alongside Palasciano, speakers assailed the influx of Indian Americans, from accusing them of snatching the American Dream to criticizing their driving skills and even blaming them for traffic. —Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!